Health sector organizations around the world all joined in the annual observance of World Diabetes Day on Nov. 14, under the theme “Access to Diabetes Care, Education to Protect Tomorrow.”

In Saint Lucia, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs kicked off activities with a speech by the Minister for Health, Hon. Moses Jn. Baptiste, who said this year’s focus is on education and demystifying rumors.

Family Life Educator within the Ministry of Health, Laurentia Maylor, said activities will take place over a period of two-weeks in health clinics around the island.

“We will focus on nutrition facts labels because many people who purchase their food in packages often times start eating without even taking note of what’s in it. That is one area of emphasis.”

Maylor said this year’s campaign will also place a heavy focus on helping persons understand and balance their sugar and sodium intakes, using the plate method.

“Another area of focus is health literacy, getting persons to understand what their blood sugar levels mean,” she said.

Other activities will include a panel discussion with health officials and testimonials from the Saint Lucia Diabetic and Hypertension Association. According to data collected from 2018 to 2022, the number of registered persons over the age of 18 living with diabetes has declined.

The Ministry of Health is using this year’s drive to also encourage persons to register for care and monitoring at their local facilities.